CBRN and HazMat Simulation Training Systems

Argon simulation at NATO Exercise Clean Care

2011-12-02T00:40:00.000-08:00

The biennial medical CBRN exercise organised by Working Team 4 (the medical subgroup) of the NATO CBRN Training Task Group was this year hosted by the French Armed Forces at La Valbonne Camp near Lyon, running from 6th to 10th November 2011.
The main theme of the exercise was the decontamination and initial medical treatment of chemically and radiologically contaminated casualties, with a range of scenarios enacted over two days (8th and 9th November).

Nearly 200 participants from Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom were joined by observers from other NATO member and partner states including Austria, Canada, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Turkey, and the United States.

Argon and our French representative, APVL ingenerie, jointly exhibited a range of equipment on the 7th November, which included the EPD-Mk2-SIM personal dosimeter simulator, the RADSIM SS2 and RDS-200-SIM survey meters, the RADSIM DS3 contamination monitor and GMP-11-SIM simulation probe, in addition to AP4C-SIM, CAMSIM and LCD3.2e-SIM chemical detector simulators.

Argon chemical and radiological simulators on display at Ex. Clean Care.

Over the following two days the Argon simulation systems were deployed to generate realistic sources of radiation and chemical release, and to provide simulated contamination of the 'casualties' for the various detector simulators issued to a number of the exercise responders.

Argon simulation sources were deployed at the sites of ficticous chemical and radiological releases...

...and on the bodies of the 'casualties' prior to commencement of the exercise scenarios.

A French CBRN (NRBC) 2nd Dragon Regt. recce team approach the exercise release site with the AP4C-SIM chemical detector simulator and the SS2 radiological survey meter...

...surveying the site of a simulated chemical and radiological release...

...and returning for decon in the rain. Equipment deployed had included the EPD-Mk2-SIM dosimeter simulator.

A casualty is discovered to have been radiologically contaminated using the RADSIM DS3 simulation radiation monitor at a decon station.

Argon to attend NBC 2012

2011-11-03T03:07:00.000-07:00

Argon will attend the NBC 2012 8th Symposiumon CBRNE Threats, to be held in Turku, Finland, 11^th-14^th June 2012.

The 20^th Anniversary event continues a long history of attendance by Argon at this highly regarded symposium series. Argon exhibited with the NBC (UK) industry group in 2000 in Espoo, and returned to Finland for the 2003 event in Jyväskylä, sharing stand space with Avon Protection. In 2006 and 2009 Argon independently exhibited in Tampere and Jyväskylä respectively and also gave papers during both conferences.

As the first company to book a stand for 2012, our return presence at this event marks another milestone in Argon’s development as the market leading provider of CBRN detection instrument training systems, and will expand on the concept and delivery of world class RealExperience Training™ (RET).

At the time of writing AirBoss-Defense (Canada), Blücher (Germany), CEA (France), GIE Défence (France), Inficon (USA), Mirion Technologies (USA), OWR (Germany), Paul Boyé Technologies (France), Temet (Finland), Tradeways (USA), and Trelleborg Protective Products (Sweden) have also already booked their stands in Turku.

We look forward to seeing you there, where you will be able to find us at stand 11 (just inside the main entrance; click here for the exhibition floor plan).

Real Experience Training (RET) from Argon

2011-11-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

Click on a page to read the latest Argon brochure on Real Experience Training for CBRN and HazMat response.

APVL to exhibit at 8th National Radioprotection Congress, SFRP 2011

2011-05-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

A l'occasion du 8ème Congrès National de Radioprotection, qui se déroulera au Centre de Congrès Vinci de Tours du mardi 21 au jeudi 23 juin 2011, APVL ingénierie présentera les tous derniers simulateurs détecteurs de radioactivité et chimiques Argon.

Organisé tous les 2 ans par la SFRP (Société Française de Radioprotection), le Congrès 2011 donnera l'opportunité à APVL ingénierie de présenter une gamme de simulation de plus en plus large, permettant de former de façon efficace à l'utilisation des dosimètres, des radiamètres et des contaminamètres sans employer de source radioactive.

Vous retrouverez à l'occasion des ateliers techniques organisés par APVL ingénierie l'EPD-Mk2-SIM (pour les utilisateurs du dosimètre EPD Mk2), le radiamètre générique RADSIM SS2 et le RADSIM DS3, utilisé notamment pour former les utilisateurs à la gamme Mini 900. De nombreux sites et organisations confrontés au risque nucléaire devant également faire face au risque chimique, le système AP4C-SIM, sera également présenté.

Tous ces produits ainsi que des documentations détaillées sont disponibles sur le catalogue en ligne d'APVL ingénierie.

APVL ingénerie will exhibit the latest Argon chemical and radiological detector simulators at the Huitième Congrès National de Radioprotection, to be held at the Centre de Congrès VINCI in Tours, 21-23 June 2011.

Organised biennially by the Société Française de Radioprotection, this year's event will see APVL showcasing the growing range of products available to enable comprehensive teaching of the correct use of radiation dosimeters, survey meters and contamination monitors without the need to utilise a single radioactive source.

Simulation systems on display will include the EPD-Mk2-SIM, for users of Thermo's EPD-Mk2 dosimeter, the generic RADSIM SS2 survey meter, and the RADSIM DS3 for training in the use of equipment such as the Thermo Mini900 series. The AP4C-SIM detector simulation training system will also be demonstrated during the exhibition in recognition of the fact that many sites and organisations that face the challenges of radiation safety and security also face the task of dealing with potential chemical releases.

All of these products, as well as detailed product literature, are available across France from APVL's extensive on-line product catalogue.

Argon to exhibit CBRN simulation training systems at Ft. Leonard Wood

2011-05-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

Argon is to be represented by JGW Group at the CBRN Regimental Week and Conference - or, to use its full title, the CBRN Regimental Week and Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Multinational – Industry, Academia (JIIM-IA) Conference - to be held at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, USA, 21-22 June 2011.

Argon has annually supported this event from way back when it was known as the World Wide Chemical Conference, and will once again display the latest chemical detector training systems including JCAD-SIM and PlumeSIM.

We look forward to seeing you in the exhibition hall on stand no. 65 this June.

To download the conference brochure click here.

Argon in Jane's Police Product Review

2011-04-15T06:50:00.000-07:00

Argon's innovative concept of simulation as a means to enhance CBRN detector training forms the heart of an article that appears in the April/May 2011 edition of Jane's Police Product Review.

Appearing under the title "Reality Check", the article describes how training to face a threat that has been rarely experienced creates a number of difficulties, not least the lack of familiarity with the broad range of chemical and radiological detection instruments that can now be deployed in the event of such scenarios being realised.

The difficulties faced by police forces are exacerbated by the requirement to train in a public urban environment, but Argon simulation systems can overcome these limiting factors and provides instructors with the ability to objectively and fully assess the capability of their students with regard to detector use.

Adding Argon's PlumeSIM system to the equation further elevates the possibilities of realistic CBRN training by permitting large numbers of trainees to operate in wide area field exercise scenarios that can be individually created for any location with a few simple clicks of a mouse.

A number of UK constabularies have procured Argon simulators to ensure they can deliver training in the context of the public urban target environment.

Argon to attend Ambition 2011

2011-04-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

Argon Electronics has registered to attend the Ambition 2011 exhibition, 22-23 June 2011, which will be held at The International Centre, Telford, U.K.

Billed as "the premier annual event for UK ambulance services, their partner agencies and suppliers", Argon will demonstrate a range simulators and systems for training emergency service frontline personnel in the use of chemical and radiological detectors without the need to use potentially hazardous sources.

Running in parallel with the the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) Conference 2011 and the Ambulance Leadership Forum (ALF) Conference 2011, the exhibition will provide delegates with the opportunity to gain hands-on understanding of how to enhance critical instrument skills in preparation for response to CBRN, HazMat and radiological release events.

Equipment on display will include the EPD-Mk2-SIM for training in the use of the Thermo EPD-Mk2 dosimeter in any environment including public areas. Able to replicate all standard and user customised display menu selections, the EPD-Mk2-SIM is compatible with Thermo EasyEPD management software. The only thing missing is the need to use a real radioactive source or the piece of paper you used to hold up to indicate a reading!

Free to attend for registered delegates, we look forward to meeting you in Telford this summer.

Argon simulates radiation hazard for North West emergency services exercise

2011-02-21T08:36:00.000-08:00

In what is understood to be the first UK event of its kind on this scale, a major regional response to terrorism exercise was given an additional degree of realism this month, when Argon Electronics provided Lancashire Fire Service with the ability to safely simulate the release of a radiological hazard.

Exercise DAKOTA was held for FRS and other blue light services in the North West region of England at the Washington Hall training centre on Saturday 12 February 2011. The scenario involved the simulated crash of an aircraft following a terrorist hijack, and the release of a radioactive material at the site.

Firefighters were initially alerted at 08:00 and upon arrival were greeted by the tail section of an aircraft which had crushed a car with passengers inside. Billowing black smoke led on to the main body of the aircraft, realistically manned by more 'injured' Casualty Union volunteers who had previously been 'contaminated' with safe simulant materials. Other simulation sources were strategically located in the wreckage.

Approaching the main 'crash site' during Exercise DAKOTA.

Upon receiving 'intelligence' of potential radiological material release, specialist response units were then deployed. Equipped with Argon simulators in reflection of the real detectors used by UK fire services, personnel were able to realistically carry out their roles without risk of harm or damage to themselves, other participants, their equipment or the environment.

Argon EPD-Mk2-SIM and RDS-200-SIM simulators supplied to FRS DIM Team. The real RDS-200 was used with a GMP-11-SIM simulation probe.

FRS DIM Team approach the main crash site using a container for shielding against the simulated radiation threat.

The FRS DIM team approaching the discretely located simulation radiation sources.

Rescue of a 'victim' following identification of potential contamination...

...and cordoning of a simulated source after search with the RDS-200-SIM.

For further information on how Argon systems can enhance your CBRN training and exercises, contact us today.

Argon to attend USAF Global Medical Readiness Symposium 2011

2011-01-27T06:26:00.000-08:00

Once again travelling to Orlando, FL, USA, Argon will exhibit at this year's USAF Global Medical Readiness Symposium, 17-18 May 2011.

The symposium will provide delegates with the opportunity to see at first hand the developments in the breadth and depth of Argon systems since they were displayed at this event last year.

In particular, the PlumeSIM system for CBRN tactical field exercises has a host of new features, whilst at the same time the set up and control interface has been made even easier to use.

The substantive work in expansion and updating of the range of Argon radiological simulation instruments will be highly visible, with simulation dosimeters, survey/radiac meters and probes being joined by what we believe to be the first spectrometer simulator of its kind, now available for SNM and other specialist training requirements.

For further information about this event or to find out more about how Argon can transform your CBRN training experience, contact us today.

Argon to attend National Radiological Emergency Preparedness Conference

2011-01-27T05:09:00.000-08:00

Following the success of CBRNe Convergence in 2010, Argon Electronics already has two return trips to Orlando in Florida, USA, planned for 2011.

The first is to attend the 21st Annual National Radiological Emergency Preparedness Conference, 18-21 April, at the Rozen Plaza Hotel.

The focus of the Argon exhibition booth will be the RADPlumeSIM system for tactical radiological wide area field exercise training, with an integrated range of dosimeter, survey meter and spectrometer simulators also on display.

RADPlumeSIM enables cost effective training in the use of radiation dosimeters, survey meters and spectrometers without the need to use ionising radionuclides.

Argon will be returning to Orlando in May for the 2011 USAF Global Medical Readiness Symposium.

Argon at Counter CBRNe Operations 2011

2011-01-14T01:35:00.000-08:00

Argon has been invited to speak at SMi's forthcoming Counter CBRNe Operations conference, to be held at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel and Conference Centre, London, U.K., 2-3 February 2011.

The Argon paper will be titled "REALISTIC TRAINING WITHOUT RISK: Enhanced CBRN Detection Instrument Training", and will include

• The difficulties presented by attempting to train with real detectors

• The instrumented CBRN training systems solution

• Integrated multiple instrument local training

• The complementary nature of simulation to live agent training

• PlumeSIM as a model for wide area CBRN field exercise training

If you've already booked to attend we look forward to seeing you there; to register please click here.

CBRN detector training and simulation into 2011

2010-12-20T04:14:00.000-08:00

Argon personnel attended more than a dozen exhibitions in 2010:

• January: 2010 CST/CERP Commanders Conference [Tempe, AZ, USA]
• February: DEFEXPO [New Delhi, India]
• March: NATO International CBRN Workshop [Brussels, Belgium]
• April: USAF Global Medical Readiness Symposium [Orlando, FL, USA]
• June: CBW Symposium [Stockholm, Sweden], IRPA Congress [Helsinki, Finland], Joint CBRN Conference [Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, USA]
• August: DoD Fire and Emergency Services Conference [Chicago, IL, USA]
• October: ASSISTEX III [Rades, Tunisia]
• November: EMEX [San Antonio, TX, USA], CBRNe Convergence [Orlando, FL, USA], 2010 ISOE Symposium [Cambridge, UK], 1st Symposium on CBRN Defence Capabilities [Berlin, Germany]

A number of our international representatives (including 3 of the new companies appointed in 2010) also exhibited Argon simulators at further events in their own territories, took Argon equipment to meetings with their customers, and joined with Argon to make demonstrations to end user organisations in their country.

Promoting the message of Training Without Risk, PlumeSIM was extensively deployed during 2010 to demonstrate the growing range of Argon chemical and radiological simulation instruments. The high level of positive reaction to this wide area tactical CBRN field exercise system has clearly confirmed that the requirement to provide comprehensive and integrated training is increasingly recognised in both the civil and military sectors.

Argon will continue to expand on this capability offering in 2011, enabling enhanced training in the use of chemical and radiological detectors at every level from individual competence to assured and auditable group performance.

As we move forwards in a decade of global change and asymmetric threat, the challenge of meeting the need for CBRN preparedness has not lessened. Argon Electronics remains committed to providing cost effective and safe training solutions in essential contribution to this critical capacity.

Argon radiation survey meter and contamination probe simulator released

2010-12-13T00:59:00.000-08:00

Argon has released the RDS-200-SIM for training users in the use of the RDS-200 survey meter. Using patented technology to safely simulate gamma radiation without the need to use any ionising radionuclides, this innovative design enables instructors to provide trainees with a detailed understanding of equipment function and performance in responding to radiological release events.

RDS-200-SIM is also fully compatible with the PlumeSIM wide area tactical field exercise training system.

The GMP-11-SIM is a simulation probe that responds to safe powders or liquids in simulation of the effects of beta-emitting materials, and can be used with either the RDS-200-SIM or the real RDS-200 survey meter.

Argon RDS-200-SIM and GMP-11-SIM literature. For further information on our range of chemical and radiological simulation training systems please visit our website at www.argonelectronics.com or e-mail sales@argonelectronics.com.

Argon at Cambridge with Thermo

2010-11-25T05:40:00.000-08:00

Accepting the kind invitation of Thermo Scientific to join them on their stand at the 2010 ISOE International Symposium, Argon Electronics demonstrated the growing levels of integrated connectivity between OEM detection systems, instrumented simulators and the PlumeSIM wide area training system at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, 17-19 November 2010.

EPD-Mk2-SIM can be used as a local stand-alone training system, in complementary multi-instrument training with other compatible Argon dosimeter, survey meter and spectrometer simulators, and with the PlumeSIM wide area field exercise system.

The symposium attracted radiological protection experts from the civil nuclear market, with delegates arriving from across Europe and as far afield as Canada, China, Japan South Africa, South Korea and the United States. A number of the visitors expressed interest in the potential for removing the use of radioactive materials whilst still providing realistic training scenarios for radiation workers.

The Argon equipment on display included the EPD-Mk2-SIM operating under the control of the PlumeSIM system in Live Field Exercise mode from the exhibition's marquee, and which was connected to the Thermo TeleDosimetry system to demonstrate the compatibility between the systems and the means to generate live reporting of fully functional remote dosimeter response without the use of any radionuclides.

Argon EPD-Mk2-SIM mounted on the Thermo EPD Personal Transmitter for training in the use of the Thermo TeleDosimetry system. EPD-Mk2-SIM is also fully compatible with Thermo administration and management software including Easy EPD and Easy Issue.

Many thanks to Barry, David, Jean-Luc, Natasha and Terry of Thermo for their generous support and and kind hospitality at this event.

Argon EPD-Mk2-SIM literature. For further information on our range of chemical and radiological simulation training systems please visit our website at www.argonelectronics.com or e-mail sales@argonelectronics.com.

Owen International to exhibit at Land Warfare Conference 2010

2010-11-12T06:05:00.000-08:00

Argon's representative in Australia, Owen International Pty Ltd., will exhibit at the Land War Conference 2010, to be held at the Brisbane Exhibition and Conference Centre, Brisbane, Australia,15-19 November 2010.

Included in the equipment on display will be the Argon LCD3.2e-SIM and PlumeSIM, which have been sent out from the UK to provide visitors to the exhibition with the opportunity to experience some of the unique training features of state-of-the-art detector simulators and wide-area instrumented CBRN field exercise systems.

For further information on the supply of Argon CBRN and HazMat simulation training systems in Australia and New Zealand, contact Owen International today.

Argon to attend Counter Terror Expo 2011

2010-10-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

Argon Electronics has confirmed that it will attend the 2011 Counter Terror Expo to be held at Olympia in London, UK, 19 - 20 April 2011.

With the official UK security threat alert status now set at at "severe" (which means that a terrorist attack is highly likely), it has never been more important to ensure thorough competency in the use of critical technologies. Argon simulation training systems offer both civil and military CBRN responders the ability to significantly enhance both the breadth and depth of chemical and radiological detection skills in preparation for an emergency. In facing the concomitant challenge of the swingeing austerity cuts that have been announced in many countries, Argon systems simultaneously contribute to preserving valuable detection assets and maintaining CBRN knowledge at required levels, whilst reducing life cycle management costs.

Counter Terror Expo will bring together CBRN response professionals from around the globe in search of the latest technologies to ensure force protection and public safety. Delegates will be able to visit the Argon equipment exhibition on stand B99 where the latest simulation instruments will be on display and ready for demonstration.

Argon will also make a presentation on the theme of "Training Without Risk" during the CBRN Detection and Protection Workshop on day 2 of the Expo. Free to attend for registered visitors, this will be an important opportunity for planners, controllers, instructors and operators to build up their understanding of the internationally utilised CBRN training capability offering from the market leaders in this field.

With further details to be released closer to the date of this event, contact Argon today for additional information and to confirm a meeting time dedicated to your individual training needs.

Argon in CBRNe World, Autumn 2010 issue

2010-10-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

Argon Electronics continues its long association with David Levitt and Gwyn Winfield of CBRNe World with a new advertisement in the Autumn 2010 issue focusing on the PlumeSIM system for wide area tactical CBRN field exercise training.

The new PlumeSIM advertisement is on page 81 of the Autumn 2010 edition of CBRNe World. Click here for an electronic copy (and don't miss Argon's JCAD-SIM/LCD-SIM Capability Profile on page 111).

Strong international interest in PlumeSIM dictated that it would be the obvious subject matter for this quarter's insertion, whilst CBRNe World's predominance as the journal of choice for the CBRN defence professional continues to assure of optimum circulation in that community.

If you are not already a recipient of CBRNe World, you can apply to be placed on the free subscription list by clicking here.

If you'd like to find out more about PlumeSIM the first step is simply to visit the Argon website at www.argonelectronics.com. Alternatively, PlumeSIM is now taken to all of the many exhibitions Argon attends each year, providing you with the opportunity to directly discuss the system features and benefits with us, and it is also beginning to be presented at exhibitions by our appointed representatives. For dedicated demonstrations Argon will travel to you, bringing an appropriate selection of chemical &/or radiological detector simulators with PlumeSIM software and hardware to ensure any questions can be fully answered in the context of your specific requirements. So why delay? Contact Argon today.

Argon at ASSISTEX III

2010-10-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

Argon has just returned from Tunisia where we exhibited a select range of chemical and radiological simulation systems at OPCW's Third Exercise on the Delivery of Assistance - ASSISTEX III.

Held at the 7 November Sport Complex at Rades, just a few kilometers outside Tunis, ASSISTEX III was supported by the Government of Tunisia. Assistance to exhibitors in complying with Tunisian Customs procedures and equipment security & transportation was provided by the Ministry of Defence, and special thanks from Argon go to the officers dedicated to our help under the direction of Col. Maj. Salem Machghoul and Capt. Nabli.

The Stade du 7 Novembre, Rades, Tunis, location of ASSISTEX III.

The equipment manufacturers' exhibition was located at the rear of the smaller multi-sports arena, with the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) constructing the largest display stand, whilst other exhibitors included AirBoss (Canada), Airsense (Germany), Bleucher (Germany), IB Consultancy (Netherlands), Christianni (Italy), Environics (Finland), Karcher (Germany) and New Pac Safety (Sweden).

Although the exhibition itself was effectively shortened by a re-scheduling of the ASSISTEX exercise programme, Argon demonstrated the capability to project a simulated chemical plume over a distance of more than a kilometer across the stadium complex to activate alarms on AP4C-SIM and LCD-SIM simulation instruments using the PlumeSIM system. Small 'hot spots' of simulated chemical release and radioactive material were also located in the vicinity of the Argon exhibition stand to provide an 'immediate threat' using a combination of PlumeSIM and our traditional ultrasound simulation sources.

Simulated chemical plumes over the ASSISTEX III exercise location. Use of chemical simulants during the exercise were reported to have caused identification discrepancies between different detectors. Use of integrated Argon simulation instruments could have eliminated this issue.

The final day of the event saw official delegations that included the Tunisian Minister of Defence, the British Ambassador and the British Defence Attache visit the Argon stand. We were also delighted to receive questions and requests for further information from knowledgeable personnel from the Danish Emergency Management Agency, French Army and Air Force, Indian Army, Indian National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Serbian Armed Forces, South African Armed Forces, Spanish Army and the Tunisian Armed Forces.

Argon in Spain with Nortech

2010-10-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

In follow up to the interest in our detector simulator training products shown at the 2nd NBC Defence Congress held in Madrid last June, Argon recently flew to Spain to join our representative Northern Technologies (Nortech) and visit existing customers for demonstrations of our latest instruments.

The Spanish Army, Air Force and Navy already use a selection of Argon equipment, variously deploying our simulators and the NASCAP networked alarm system. With a long history of jointly driving even longer miles to customer meetings in Spain, Jose Pena Rich and John Saunders returned to the road (and airport) to ensure that distance was no bar to addressing the future requirements of individual service organisations.

An 07:00 start and a 19:00 return on the first day was followed by a 05:45 start and a 23:50 return to Madrid on day two, but the level of interest in the provision of first class CBRN training more than justified the time and miles. The professional expertise of the personnel visited made the demonstrations a pleasure, and also stands as testament to Argon's ever increasing reputation as the dominant name in the arena of comprehensive and integrated CBRN detector training systems.

Many thanks to Jose and all of the staff at Nortech for organising this brief visit, and for their continuing hard work over the years in the promotion of Argon products. We look forward to returning to Spain soon!

Argon presentation at the XIIIth International CBRN Defence Symposium

2010-10-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

Argon Electronics has been confirmed in its contribution of a paper on the first day of the XIIIth International CBRN Defence Symposium, to be held at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham, U.K., 02-04 November 2010

With a Symposium theme of "Training and Simulation; The Forgotten Element of CBRN? How to Incorporate it into Doctrine Equipment, Programmes and Projects", Argon is uniquely placed to provide market leading insight in to this critical precursor to successful CBRN defence.

The Argon presentation, titled "Training without risk...", will include

• The features and benefits provided by current instrumented CBRN training systems;

• Integrated multiple instrument local training focusing on the Swedish example;

• The complementary nature of simulation to live agent training;

• PlumeSIM as a model for wide area instrumented field exercise training;

• Best practice in removing risk from procurement

Learn how, in an uncertain economic climate, Argon simulation systems can provide cost effective solutions to maintaining and improving training delivery and capability outputs by attending the XIIIth International CBRN Defence Symposium.

Argon to attend new German CBRN Symposium

2010-10-10T06:19:00.000-07:00

Argon has confirmed attendance at the 1^st international Symposium on Development of CBRN-Defence Capabilities, to be held at the Berlin Congress Centre, 31 November and 01 December 2010.

With more than 1000 visitors from around 50 nations expected to attend, this is a major new event in the CBRN calendar that will focus on the development and application of operational approaches to CBRN defence. A high level of speakers drawn from service organisations and industry will present the latest ideas in CBRN defence.

CBRN detector manufacturers will be strongly represented at the exhibition, and will include Bruker Daltonics, Environics, ICx Technologies, Inficon, Mirion Technologies, Proengin, Smiths Detection and Thermo Fisher Scientific, all of whom have worked with Argon in the development of simulation training instruments.

Argon will be joined by Graham Catto of GCTechnologies GmbH, our established representative for radiation detector simulation products in Austria and Germany, who are now expanding the breadth of their portfolio to include chemical simulation products.

Visit us at booth C:11.

ECM Celebrate 25 Years of Excellence

2010-10-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Eric Milburn and all of the team at ECM Technologies who are celebrating their 25th anniversary in business this month!

As Argon's long standing exclusive representative in South Africa, ECM embodies the spirit of professionalism and expertise that forms the firm foundation of successful partnership in the promotion of innovative technology solutions across continents.

For further information on ECM Technologies please visit their website here.

Argon to attend ASSISTEX III

2010-10-01T06:13:00.000-07:00

Argon will exhibit a range of its chemical detector simulators at OPCW's Third Exercise on the Delivery of Assistance – ASSISTEX 3. Hosted by the Government of Tunisia at the Stade du 7 November sports complex in Rades, Tunisia, the exhibition will run from 13-15 October 2010.

Argon products will include the AP4C-SIM, CAMSIM, LCD3.2e-SIM, and S4PE-SIM which will be shown responding to safe electronic simulation area effect and point detection sources. Instructor activated simulated instrument failure and consumable depletion will be demonstrated, together with a display of how assessors can use the instrument reporting function to objectively determine trainee equipment use performance.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to view the PlumeSIM system in operation for the first time on the continent of Africa. PlumeSIM has recently been demonstrated in Europe, North America, and Asia to wide acclaim, where existing users of Argon simulation instruments are increasingly recognising the advantages of extending the benefits of Argon systems into larger scale field exercises with multiple equipment types and multiple personnel.

Compatible with other Argon simulators for multi-instrument training, the AP4C-SIM is a dedicated simulator for safely and cost effectively training in the use of the AP4C detector.
The AP4C-SIM also enables instructors to teach response to equipment consumable depletion, and records trainee errors in equipment use for After Action Review.

Argon briefing updates in SE Asia

2010-09-27T02:09:00.000-07:00

Argon has just returned from an 11-day trip to South East Asia, visiting existing and potential customers in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.

The primary purpose of this series of meetings and presentations was to demonstrate how the PlumeSIM wide area field exercise system can be used to enhance the use of the growing range of Argon simulation instruments, and provide complementary equipment instruction for multiple personnel over extended training areas in any environment.

The PlumeSIM system allows exercise planners to create and control virtual chemical and radiological release scenarios on user selected mapping at any location. These scenarios are broadcast to GPS tracked trainees in the field, causing simulation instrument activation to engender appropriate learning responses in real time. With instrument use recorded, fully featured After Action Review functions enable accurate assessment of individual, group and wider response capabilities.

The success of the visits was only made possible through the able assistance and organisational efforts of local partner companies Altrus Pte. Ltd. (Singapore), GH International Co. Ltd. (Thailand), and APP Systems Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia), and the enthusiastic reception of the individuals and organisations who made available the time and personnel to receive Argon's briefing updates. Many thanks to all of you for your hard work, kind hospitality and generous participation.

Argon to attend EMEX 2010

2010-09-27T01:07:00.000-07:00

Argon will be exhibiting a range of CBRN detector simulation training instruments at EMEX 2010, 01-03 November 2010, San Antonio, Texas, USA.

EMEX is the Emergency Management and Homeland Security exhibition that runs alongside the conference of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). With more than 2000 emergency management professionals expected to attend, most of the available exhibition space has already been reserved, but for anyone responsible for ensuring that responders know how to use chemical and radiological detectors, don't forget to visit Argon at booth 357.

At the same time as attending EMEX, Argon will be exhibiting and presenting a paper at the 3rd CBRNe Convergence Conference in Florida, and is also scheduled to present a paper at the XIIIth International CBRN Defence Symposium, to be held at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, on 02 November 2010.

The level of international interest in Argon simulation training systems has never been greater, with both existing and new customers requiring that their personnel be able to provide instruction in the use of the latest critical response equipment to the highest standards. For further information on cost effective and comprehensive provision of CBRN detector training, contact Argon today and book your place at these premier showcase events.

Argon radiation simulation products at the IAEA

2010-07-23T04:48:00.000-07:00

New Argon radiation simulation systems will be displayed by GCTechnology GmbH at the International Atomic Energy Agency's Symposium on International Safeguards: Preparing for Future Verification Challenges, 1-5 November 2010, in Vienna, Austria.

This event follows on from the 2009 IAEA Nuclear Security Symposium, where Argon shared an exhibition stand with our representatives GCTechnology and also presented a paper on "Enhanced Radiological Detection Instrument Training".

The 2010 Symposium will see a range of radiation instrument simulators available for delegates to view including the

RADSIM EPD-Mk2-SIM for training users of Thermo's EPD-Mk2 dosimeter.
RADSIM DS3, an updated version of the widely used D-SIM contamination meter simulator.
RADSIM RDS-200-SIM for training users of the Mirion Rados RDS-200 survey meter.
RADSIM SS2, a new generic gamma survey simulator.

With a growing choice of dosimeter, survey/radiac/contamination meters and probes, and soon even spectrometer simulators, Argon systems provide safe, realistic and cost effective training without the need to use any real radioactive sources.

The recent addition of the RADPlumeSIM system has meant that not only can integrated multi-instrument training be achieved at a local level, but that wide area classroom and field exercise training can now also be inexpensively delivered to ensure competent response capability.

The Argon RDS-200-SIM gamma survey simulator and GMP-11-SIM simulation probe respectively respond to safe electronic and fluorescent material simulation sources.

Argon simulation systems are supplied ready to go, with everything you need to start training immediately.

For further information on this event please contact Graeme Catto at GCTechnology via their website or by using the contact details listed at the end of the Argon presentation linked above.

Argon to attend 3rd CBRNe Convergence Conference

2010-07-15T07:59:00.000-07:00

Argon will attend the 3rd Annual CBRNe Convergence Conference to be held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Florida, USA, 2-5 November 2010.

The growing reputation of this conference series which is organised by CBRNe World magazine, is already attracting a high level of delegates to hear speakers from civil and military organisations and industry market leaders from around the world.

Steven Pike will be giving a detailed presentation focused on the PlumeSIM system on the first day of the conference in the Training Stream.

Under a title of "PlumeSIM – A cost effective, portable table top and field exercise CBRN training system" this presentation will look at

Making classroom CBRN training more exciting and fun to enhance the learning experience.
Using table top exercises to maximise the impact and benefit of field exercises.
After action review – so how effectively did you actually use those instruments, and what decisions did you make / influence?
Using simulators to reduce the operational costs and availability of using real detectors to train.

Argon will also have a selection of our latest simulation instruments on display for delegates to view at our exhibition booth (#407). and in case all this isn't enough to whet your appetite, we'll just repeat the words "November" and "Florida".

For further information click here.

Argon to attend DoD Fire

2010-07-14T02:40:00.000-07:00

Co-located with Fire-Rescue International 2010 and running alongside the US Air Force Emergency Management Symposium, the Department of Defense Fire & Emergency Services Conference will be held in Chicago, IL, from 23-27 August 2010.

Argon will be located at exhibition booth #713, so if you're a DoD fire and emergency service professional involved with CBRN or HazMat response, don't miss the chance to see the latest instrumented chemical and radiation detector simulation training systems.

Equipment on display will include...

The JCAD-SIM simulator for safely and cost effectively training in the use of the M4 JCAD Joint Chemical Agent Detector...

...the CAMSIM simulation instrument training system for users of the CAM Chemical Agent Monitor...

...and the PlumeSIM wide area table-top and field exercise system for training multiple personnel with multiple simulation instrument types.

Argon in Italy with Pollution Srl

2010-07-13T04:20:00.000-07:00

Following a period of ongoing discussions that culminated in a meeting in The Hague in October 2009, Argon has appointed Pollution Srl as our representatives in Italy.

January 2010 saw the visit to Luton of C.E.O. Ing. Matteo Monticelli and Product Specialist Dott. Carlo Bruno for initial product training.

Matteo Monticelli and Carlo Bruno of Pollution Srl at Argon.

Last week Argon travelled to Italy to reinforce the relationship with further product training for Pollution personnel at their facilities in Budrio, just outside Bologna, and also took the opportunity to jointly visit specialist CBRN units within the Italian Armed Forces.

Many thanks to Micaela, Matteo and Carlo for their organisation of the end user meetings, the long hours of driving to get there, and for the kindness of their great hospitality during the visit!

Argon at the Joint CBRN Conference and Exhibition, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. USA

2010-06-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

Argon has attended the annual Joint CBRN Conference and Exhibition for many years, back to the days when it was known as the World Wide Chemical conference, and this year was no exception.

Ably assisted by Jerry Leurs of JGW Group, Steven Pike demonstrated the PlumeSIM system in full Field Exercise mode to a steady stream of visitors, who showed a high level of interest in the next generation of advanced interactive CBRN detection instrument training provision throughout this 1.5 day event.

Despite the high humidity and 100 degree heat at the US Army's Chemical Corps HQ, products such as the JCAD-SIM simulator continued to attract attention from a broad range of personnel who recognise the importance of ensuring comprehensive responder competence without the risk of harm or damage to trainees, the public, expensive critical operational equipment or the environment.

Argon simulators at the 2nd NBC Defence Congress in Madrid

2010-06-29T06:22:00.000-07:00

The AP4C-SIM and LCD3.2e-SIM were on display at the Nortech exhibition stand at the 2nd NBC Defence Congress, which was held at the Auditorium Hotel in Madrid, 22-23 June 2010.

With delegate numbers higher than originally expected, Nortech, Argon's long standing representative in Spain, provided attending civilian and military NBC response personnel with the chance to view at first hand the features and training benefits of these innovative simulators.

The Nortech (Northern Technologies) exhibition stand at the 2nd NBC Congress in Madrid.

AP4C-SIM and LCD3.2e-SIM on display for Spanish CBRN specialists.

Argon at the Third European IRPA Congress,Helsinki, Finland

2010-06-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

Working on the principle that you can either innovate or irradiate, and in reflection of the fact that our range of radiation detector simulation systems has been growing exponentially in response to interest from both the civil nuclear industry and increasingly concerned international proliferation control and emergency response organisations, Argon exhibited a selected sample of our latest RADSIM portfolio with the RADPlumeSIM system at the Third European IRPA Congress, in Helsinki, Finland, 14-18 June 2010.

Although this 'broad-brush' academic event inevitably suffered by comparison with the level of informed end-user interest in training at CBW 2010, a number of delegates were surprised to find the degree of innovative opportunity being offered by Argon. The positive responses to demonstration of the EPD-Mk2-SIM dosimeter simulator and the RDS-200-SIM survey meter simulator (with the complementary GMP-11-SIM contamination probe simulator) proved to be telling in respect of how little appreciation there is of alternatives to live radioactive source use.

Given the reported trend towards stricter control, if not elimination, of radioactive sources for training purposes, the features and benefits of Argon RADSIM systems provide a huge incentive to further investment in this arena.

Argon at CBW 2010, Stockholm, Sweden

2010-06-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

From 8-11 June 2010 Argon could be found at the 10th International Symposium on Protection against Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents in at Kistamässan, Stockholm, Sweden.
Such is the perceived importance of this triennial event in the CBRN exhibitions calendar that we reserved our stand almost a year ago, and having secured a good spot, we weren't disappointed when we received an impressively high level of visitors from more than 20 countries (some even showed the foresight to pre-book appointment times!).

More importantly, Argon was able to confirm the positive status of a number of important new programmes, discuss the next stages of system provision with some of our existing customers, representatives and partner companies, and impress potential new customers with a demonstration of our integrated simulation product range, as well as find a new potential representative in the process.

As if all this wasn't enough to make it a excellent show for Argon, the final highlight was when Steven found a great place for good quality Indian food within two minutes of his hotel room!

Thanks to everyone who came to see us - too numerous to list individually here - all of your time and consideration were most appreciated.

Brigadier General Jess Scarborough (JPEO CBD), Andrew Wilson (JGW Group), and Steven Pike (Argon) on the Argon stand at CBW 2010.

New Argon branding for 2010

2010-06-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

The "Training without risk..." message that heads up this blog is just the first part of a new-style branding theme that will be rolled out in the coming months to help highlight the benefits of Argon simulation training systems.

The first piece of new product literature features the JCAD-SIM system, and will shortly be followed by our other existing and new product data sheets.

JCAD-SIM features and benefits are highlighted in the new-style Argon literature.

Our most recent print media advertisement in the summer edition of CBRNe World strikingly illustrates the point in the preceeding article that "training must be practical"[1], whilst visitors to the Argon stand at CBW 2010 two weeks ago were met with complementary integrated display materials that emphasised this message. All of this has been achieved with the creative help of Helen Nelson at Jet The Dog, and she has even refreshed the Argon logo!

JCAD-SIM advert from the Summer 2010 issue of CBRN World - can you spot a theme developing here?

[1] See "False readings" by Col. (retd.) Rick Whitman in CBRNe World, Vol. 5 Issue 2, Summer 2010, p.32-36.

APVL expand Argon product representation

2010-06-24T10:31:00.001-07:00

Having successfully sold Argon radiation detector simulators into the civil nuclear market for several years, APVL ingénierie has now extended it's exclusive representation of Argon in France with the inclusion of the chemical detector simulator portfolio.

As APVL is based in St.-Cyr-sur-Loire, near Tours in the heart of the Loire Valley, there was really no choice when it came to a decision on where to carry out initial product training, which was provided on the 25th May.

We look forward to working closely with APVL in the development of these new opportunities!

[L-R] Vivien Godfroi, Carole Meme, Franck Daumain and Etienne Gaultier of APVL.

JCAD-SIM to help USAF CBRN training

2010-06-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

It's not really news now, but, just in case you missed it the first time round, the following press release was approved on the 22nd April 2010.

"The United States Air Force Air Education Training Command has awarded Argon Electronics a substantial contract to equip nine primary and Silver Flag USAF CBRN training facilities with 145 JCAD-SIM training simulator systems. The simulators will enable USAF personnel to train how to use the new M4-JCAD detector in any environment without the need to use any form of chemical simulant and provide significant cost savings during training. JCAD-SIM accurately simulates detection of CW, blood and choking agents as well as toxic industrial substances using Argon’s patented simulation technology, which also reports any student errors during training. The high fidelity simulator includes a simulation confidence tester and training sieve pack change system. The JCAD-SIMs are capable of upgrade to operate with Argon’s PlumeSIM, a portable instrumented CBRN training system capable of rapid deployment for home station CBRN training and are also compatible with all other Argon CBRN simulators permitting multiple detector, multiple substance training to take place within the same exercise."

Note: This Press Release has been approved by the United States Air Force and may not be modified in any way without their prior consent.